Accredited Online Mechanic Schools

Is Online Mechanic School Possible?

Automotive technician programs from accredited colleges are rarely offered online, but there are a few available. Training to become a car mechanic requires hands-on learning, so some colleges offer experiences that allow students to gain practical skills. However, it is possible to learn automotive repair technology online through an accredited program.

Online Mechanic Programs: What You Need to Know

Automotive technician programs are commonly offered online through postsecondary institutions or independent websites. Both types of programs are primarily based on skill-building and are designed for individuals to learn at their own pace. While they typically don't offer a degree, they can help aspiring car mechanics study the skills that are necessary to earn the certification needed for a career in automotive repair.

Some online automotive technician programs do give students a certificate of completion, but this is not the same as a degree or certification. Certification can be obtained through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE); we'll get into certification more in a moment. A certificate of completion or career diploma from a program may provide a competitive edge when applying for a job as a car mechanic, but it does not replace certification and will not guarantee job placement.

Automotive repair technicians may be given access to online training programs by their employers so they can study while learning practical skills on the job. This depends on the employer, though, and obtaining a job at a mechanic shop typically requires some automotive repair training beforehand.

The Format of Online Mechanic Programs

Online mechanic programs will typically be delivered through text or video formats, or a combination of both. Some programs may have videos that feature an instructor to guide you, or you may have to go through the material on your own.

Many programs are self-paced, but others may have an expiration date. For example, a program may allow students to study at their own pace, but if they do not complete the program in one year, they may have to re-enroll.

When choosing a program, consider your schedule and preferred learning style. You can ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I learn best by reading, watching, listening, or doing?
• Do I have the motivation, time, and discipline to commit to a self-paced program?
• If a program does have an allotted time for completion, can I finish in time?

Accreditation for Online Mechanic Programs

Accredited online mechanic programs may not be as common as in-person programs, but they do exist. Accreditation can ensure that the education you are receiving is up to quality standards. Colleges and programs are typically accredited by higher learning associations or career associations. A few associations that accredit online mechanic programs include:

• The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence
• The Distance Education Accrediting Commission
• Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges

How to Find a Legitimate Online Mechanic Program

If you wish to pursue an automotive repair education online, it is important to do your research. A few ways to check if a program is legitimate are:

• Choose a program from the ASE website: The ASE has a list of training programs on its website that it has approved/accredited. While not all of these programs are available online, a few are.
• Compare the program's curriculum to ASE study guides: The ASE offers free certification exam study guides on its website. These are designed for test preparation and not actual training, but you can compare the curriculum of a program to the topics in the study guides to ensure the curriculum matches.
• Avoid sites that make false promises: If an automotive repair training program promises certification or automatic employment upon completion, avoid that program, even if its curriculum looks legitimate. Completing a training program can increase your chances of getting a job or passing a certification exam, but it is not guaranteed and therefore should not be advertised as such.

Practical Requirements for Online Mechanic Schools

Studying automotive repair may be done online, but applying the skills you're learning will require hands-on work. If you have a car of your own or you can borrow one from family or friends, use it as a visual aid as well as a way to practice what you're reading or watching online. Some programs may provide a virtual automotive repair lab simulation, but hands-on training can still be beneficial. As we discussed before, other programs might have optional built-in practical experiences or on-site components that let students get their hands dirty.

Tools

In addition to hands-on training, another practical requirement might include tools, such as wrenches, sockets, pliers, and ratchets. These tools are different from the equipment provided by a mechanic shop, which usually includes larger, heavier objects, such as jacks, welding torches, and lifts. Professional mechanics usually have their own set of tools. You will most likely need to acquire the smaller, personal tools on your own. Some programs may provide a credit to help you buy tools upon graduation, but it can be a good idea to obtain them beforehand so you can practice as you're studying.

Admissions Requirements for Online Mechanic Programs

Enrolling in an online mechanic school can be as simple as signing up and paying a fee. Costs can differ based on the robustness of each program. Some schools charge a per-credit rate and others have a flat fee for the entire program. For instance, one school's automotive program is around $75 per credit while another school's is a little under $800 out the door.

Common Courses in Online Mechanic Programs

The courses in online mechanic programs are typically designed for beginners to learn the basics of automotive repair, but they can also be suitable for professional mechanics to stay up-to-date on their knowledge and skills.

Courses and study guides are typically broken up into topics that cover safety, equipment, function, and repairs/maintenance. Each program may divide the content of its coursework differently; for example, safety, tools, and operations may be grouped together under one course, while another program may make safety a topic of its own. Some programs may also add topics such as professionalism in the workplace and customer service.

Additionally, some online programs may have more options for specialized education than others. For example, students may choose to take a course specifically for heavy diesel engines or heating and cooling systems. Depending on the type of course you take, this may alter your chances of employment if an employer requests expertise in a specific area.

Introduction to Auto Repair

Intro to auto repair acts as a basic overview of vehicles and how they function. Students may learn about the different areas of vehicle repair, various vehicle operating systems and engines, and how different parts of a vehicle operate.

Safety

Safety is usually one of the first topics covered in automotive repair courses. Students can learn about the proper way to handle equipment, how to avoid damaging vehicles and the surrounding environment, and how to maintain personal safety as well as the safety of others. The proper procedures to follow in an auto shop may also be covered.

Equipment

Automotive repair technicians use a variety of equipment to service vehicles. When learning about the different tools and equipment, students may go over what the tools are, what they're used for, and how to properly use them.

Engines

When studying engines, students may learn about the different types of engines, how they perform, and how to maintain and repair them. Topics of study can include different types of fuels that are used for engine systems, such as diesel, gasoline, and alternative fuels. Students may also learn about fuel systems operations; for example, how a fuel system that uses gasoline would work vs how a fuel system that uses alternative fuel would work. Courses like these might dive into how to diagnose engine malfunctions.

Electrical Systems

The electrical systems portion of an automotive repair program may cover topics such as interior electrical systems like a car's battery and electrical entertainment systems like a car's stereo. Students may start with learning the basic nature of electricity and how it is conducted before they move on to learn how it is used in vehicles. Students may additionally learn how to diagnose any electrical problems in a vehicle.

Brakes and Steering Systems

These two systems may be split up into different courses depending upon the program. Students may learn how to identify, describe the functions of, and repair and maintain different brake and steering systems. Topics of study can include the operations of tires, wheels, suspension systems, and anti-lock brakes.

Job Options for Those with an Online Mechanic Education

Individuals who have completed an online automotive repair program may start working as an entry-level automotive service technician or mechanic. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for automotive service technicians and mechanics in 2019 was $42,090. The profession is expected to undergo little to no change from 2018-2028, with a job outlook of -1%.

Many automotive repair shops prefer individuals who have completed a program from a postsecondary institution. Since online mechanic programs typically don't officially require hands-on training, individuals who have done an online program may need to train further under the supervision of an experienced technician while on the job.

Automotive service technicians and mechanics provide repairs and maintenance services for different types of vehicles, mostly automobiles. Using various equipment and tools, they identify problems with a vehicle and make the necessary repairs. They also do general upkeep, such as changing engine oil, rotating tires, and checking fluid levels. When needed, they also replace any parts that cannot be repaired. A checklist must usually be followed in order to ensure all parts of the vehicle are in working order, and these professionals typically must clearly communicate the vehicle's problems and repairs to their clients.

Automotive Service Specializations

Some automotive service technicians specialize in different areas of repair and maintenance. A few of these specializations can include:

• Air conditioning: The installation and repair of automotive air conditioners and their various parts
• Drivability: The diagnosis of problems with engines and fuel, ignition, electrical, and emissions systems
• Brakes: The diagnosis and repair of brake systems and their various parts
• Transmission: The repair of transmission systems and their parts, such as gear trains, hydraulic pumps, and couplings
• Front-end: The diagnosis of tire wear, handling, and ride problems

Automotive service technicians can also work exclusively with large trucks and buses and are known as diesel service technicians and mechanics.

Work Environment and Required Skills

Automotive service technicians and mechanics usually work full time in auto mechanic shops. They typically stand for most of their workday but they sometimes may need to be in uncomfortable positions to perform their duties. While they use electronic equipment to diagnose problems, they still use a number of tools and parts that are greasy and heavy, so small injuries such as scrapes and bruises are common.

Automotive service technicians and mechanics need to be detail oriented with strong dexterity and organizational, mechanical, trouble-shooting, and customer-service skills. They need to be able to spot easy-to-miss details to diagnose problems, work with electrical and mechanical equipment, use both of their hands regularly, and maintain an organized workspace to ensure productivity and safety. Since many auto shops rely on repeat customers, they additionally need to communicate cordially and effectively with clients. Lastly, they will typically need physical strength to lift and handle heavy equipment and parts.

Certification for Mechanics

Many employers require automotive service technicians and mechanics to either be certified upon employment or be working toward certification. Certification can be obtained through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Certification can increase one's chances of getting hired as well as their pay grade.

Currently, there are nine areas of automobile and light truck certification. Mechanics don't need to be certified in every area to get hired, but if they are, they can earn status as a master technician. The nine areas of certification are:

• Brakes
• Electrical/electronic systems
• Automatic transmission/transaxle
• Light vehicle diesel engines
• Engine repair
• Engine performance
• Heating and air-conditioning
• Suspension and steering
• Manual drive train and axles

To become certified in any area, candidates must have a minimum of 2 years of professional experience or 1 year of professional experience and relevant education. They must also pass a national exam, which is done in person.